Broaching the conversation to move

Broaching the conversation to move

Most of us don’t voluntarily put our hand up to move out of the family home into residential aged care. A health catalyst or a fear of safety are the main triggers to move.

It’s important to understand the mindset of your parent before you broach the idea of a move to residential aged care. Your parent is likely to be feeling a sense of loss – loss of control, choice, confidence, freedom, independence, ability, lifestyle, social connections…..a loss of who I am. Coupled with this perceived loss is a perceived sense of negative gain – in fear, vulnerability, illness, insecurity and institutionalisation. While this is the not reality at CraigCare, this is their perception prior to becoming part of a care community.

Knowing their mindset, here’s some tips on how to make the conversation go positively.

Perspective take – put yourself in their shoes and reflect this back.

Speak to them alone– there’s no need for a large family intervention as this can be quite confronting.

Take them on the journey – Make sure they feel involved in coming to the decision.

Challenge perceptions and show them the reality. Take a private tour and gather evidence to take back to your parent to show them it can be a great choice for keeping them safe, cared for and, equally important – socially connected and engaged as they have always been

Suggest a trial– respite care is a great way to show your parent what aged care is really like. They can enter care on a short-term non-committal basis – from a few days to a few weeks.

Broaching the conversation to move2018-09-272018-09-27https://craigcare.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/logo-v6-r.pngAged care & retirement villages in WA and Victoriahttps://craigcare.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/logo-v6-r.png200px200px

About CraigCare

CraigCare has been one of Australia’s most established and trusted aged care providers for over 40 years. We pride ourselves on making sure our residents feel right at home and continue to be connected to the broader local community, as they have always been.